Hand grip and closure for cartons



Sept- 3, 1946 R. v. THMPsoN 2,407,111

HAND GRIP ANDl CLOSURE CARTONVS Filed March 18, 19543 .Y 2 sheets-sheet 1 SCPL 3, 1.946. R. v. THOMPSON 2,407,111

HAND GRIP AND cLosURE FOR cARToNs I Filed March 1s, 194:5 2 sheets-sheet 2 INV ENT OR. P05/ser HvA/cf 7a/#mag ,frime/Yi 75.

Patented Sept. 3, 1946 HAND GRIP AND CLOSURE FOR CARTON S Robert Vance Thompson, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application March 18, 1943, Serial No. 479,573

18 Claims.

The present invention relates to the provision of means whereby shipping cartons of otherwise standard characteristics can be more readily handled. The primary object of the invention is to provide, without materially increasing the cost of such cartons, hand grip means adjacent one or both ends of such cartons. Further objects of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, my invention may be embodied in the forms illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,`

that the drawings are illustrative only, and that change may be made in the specific constructions illustrated and described, so long as the scope of the appended claims is not violated.

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an end of a carton in open position; i

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the same unit, partially closed;

Fig. 3 is a similar view of the carton as a whole,

i with one form of the present invention built into one end thereof and fully closed;

Fig. 4 is a similar view of another form of the invention in fully closed position;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig, 1 but showing a further form of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the form of invention illustrated in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view of the form of invention illustrated in Fig. 5 in fully closed position;

Fig. 8 is a fragmental view of still another form of the invention in closed position;

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a still further form of the invention in closed position; and

Fig. l0 is an isometric View, parts being broken away for clarity of illustration, of a modification of the form of invention illustrated in Fig. 4.

Referring more particularly to Figs. l, 2, and 3, it will be seen that I have illustrated the end I I of a rectangular carton which may be formed of any suitable material capable of being readily bent or folded; and one such suitable material is corrugated board, though I do not intend to be limited to that particular material. The carton end illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 is made up of a single sheet of board bent to provide opposite side walls I2 and I3 joined by opposite side Walls I4 and I5, the adjacent edges of the walls I2 and Ill being connected by a strip of adhesive tape 22, all in accordance with standard practice. A transverse fold line or score I6 adjacent the end of the carton denes a terminal tab or flap I1;

and a similar fold line I8, located substantially in the plane including the fold line I6 and per pendicular to the wall I2, denes a terminal tab I3 integral with the Wall I3. The tabs l1 and I9 are adapted to be folded oppositely inwardly, in the manner illustrated in Figs. 2 and. 3, to bring their terminal edges 20 and 2| into substantial juxtaposition to close the carton end.

A fold line 23 traverses the wall I4 in a plane parallel to the common plane of the lines I6 and I8 but farther removed from the termini of the tabs I1 and I9. Three further fold lines, 24, 25, and 2E, successively closer to the end of the tab deined by the line 23, traverse that tab in substantial parallelism with the line 23. It will be clear that the fold lines just described denne tab sections 21, 28, 28, and 30. Preferably, but not necessarily, the fold line 26 will be double.

Similarly, a fold line 3l, disposed substantially in the plane including the line 23 and parallel with the common plane of the fold lines i6 and IB, traverses the wall I5 to define a terminal tab. Other fold lines 32, 33, and 34, similar to the lines 24, 25, and 26, traverse the tab dened by the `line 3| to define tab sections 35, 36, 31, and 38 similar to the sections 21, 28, 29, and 3U.

The tab sections 21 and 35 will be folded inwardly about the fold lines 23 and 3|; the tab sections 28 and 3E will be folded upwardly about the fold lines 24 and 32; the tab sections 29 and 31 will be folded outwardly about the fold lines 25 and 33, all in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2; and then the tabs I1 and I9 will be folded oppositely inwardly, to overlie directly the tab sections 29 and 31, as is 4clearly illustrated in Fig. 2. Now, the tab sections 30 and 38 will be folded upwardly and inwardly to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of the tabs I 1 and I9, in the manner clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3; and the tabs I1 and I9 will thereupon be secured between the tab sections 29 and 30 by staples 33, and between the tab sections 31 and 38 by the staples 49.

It will be clearly seen that, by the present construction, lateral indentations are dened by the tab sections 21, 28, and 29, and by the tab sections 35, 36, and 31, providing hand grips at opposite sides of the carton directly adjacent the end thereof, whereby the carton can be readily handled by inserting the lingers into those indentatations and gripping the walls dened by the tab sections 28 and 30 and the tab sections 31 and 38. No additional material isrequired, as compared with standard carton construction, and hand grips are provided, such hand grips being entirely closed kfrom the interior of the carton by the material of the carton wall itself, without the necessity for using inserts of any sort. While the internal capacity of the carton is slightly reduced by the projection thereinto of the indentations formed by the tab sections 21, 28, and 29 and the tab sections 35, 36, and 31, it is to be noted that those projections are located immediately adjacent the extreme end of the carton where, in. connection With innumerable lpaoliaging problems, the packaged unit vis-of reduced dimension. One such unit, for instance, is an automobile muler.

The form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4 is substantially identical With that illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, except that the tab sections 39 and 39 are eliminated. In Fig. 4,1 have shown the end of a standard carton 4| comprising opposite Walls 42 and 43, a connecting Wall 44 and an opposite wall (not shown) corresponding to the Wall I5 of Fig. l. A fold line l5 defines a terminal tab 41 integral with the Wall 42, While a similar fold line 48 defines a terminal tab 49 integral with the Wall 43, said tabs 41 and 49, when in folded position, having their ends 59 and 5I in substantial juxtaposition. In accordance with standard practice, an adhesive strip 52 secures together the adjacent edges of the Wall panels 42 and 44.

' A fold line 53 defines a tab integral with the wall 44, and provided with further parallel fold lines 54 and 55 successively closer to the end of said tab. The various score lines denne tab sec`- tions 51, 59, and 59 which are adapted to be folded about the respective score lines to assume positions corresponding to the positionsof the tab sections 21, 28, and 29 of Fig. 3. Similarly, a fold line 6| donnes a tab integral with the wall opposite the wall 44; and further fold lines 62 and 63, successively closer to the end of the said tab, define tab Sectio-ns E5, 93, and 91. Said tab sections are adapted to be folded about the respective score lines to assume positions corresponding to the positions assumed by the tab sections 35, 39, and 31 of Fig. 3. Obviously, the tab sections 51, 58, and 59, and 95, 66, and 61, When so folded, provide opposite outwardly opening indentations which can be used as hand grips. The tabs 41 and 49 are now folded down to lie in oontact With the tab sections 59 and 61; and the tabs 41 and 49 are secured to the tab section 59 by staples 99, and to the tab section 61 by staples 19. I have found the hand grip structure of Fig. 4 to be satisfactory where maximum strengths are not required.

In Figs. 5, 6, and '1, I have illustrated a further form of my invention. There, I have shown an end of a carton 1| made up of opposite wall panels 12 and 13 and opposite wall panels 14 and 15, the adjacent edges of the,` panels 12 and 14 being connected together by the usual adhesivestrip 82. A score/line 19 traverses the wall 12 to denne a terminal tab 11; While a similar score line 18 defines a terminal tab 19 integral with the wall 13. The tabs 11 and 19 are so designed that, when folded down into the positions of Fig. 7, their ends 80 and 8| will lie in substantial juxtaposition.

A score line 83 defines a tab integral with the wall 14 and traversed by further score lines 34 and 85, parallel With the line 33 and successively closer to the end of said tab. The various score lines denne tab sections 81, 88, and 89, closely similar to the tab sections 51, 58, and 59 of Fig. 4. As is clearly shown in Fig. 6, the tab sections 81, B8, and 89 are adapted to be folded into positions 4 corresponding to the positions assumed by the tab sections 51, 58, and 59 of Fig. 4, whereafter the tabs 11 and 19 will be folded down, in the manner illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, to overlie the tab section 89.

The wall 15 is traversed by a score line 94 which may preferably, but not necessarily, be a double score, defining a terminal tab 98 integral With thewall 15. After the tabs 11 and 19 have been folded down into engagement With the tab section 99, the tab 93 will be swung down to overlie completely the tabs 11 and 19; and said tab 98 will thereupon be secured to the tabs 11 and 19 and to the tab section 89, by staples 99 or the like.

' In the just-described form of the invention, only asingle hand grip is provided; but I have found that, in many instances, such a single hand grip is suflicient for convenient handling of the cartons. If, however, it is desired to combine a double hand grip with the advantages of the com- .pletely enshrouding elongated tab 98, then the form of my invention illustrated in Fig. 9 will be used. In Fig. 9 I have illustrated an end of a carton II made up of opposite wall panels I|2 and I I3 connected by a Wall I |4 and another wall (not shown) opposite the Wall |I4 and corresponding to the Wall |5 of Fig. 1. A fold line ||6 denes a terminal tab I|1 integral With the wall I I2, while a similar fold line I|8 defines a terminal tab I I9 integral with the Wall I I3. The ends |29 and |2| of the tabs ||1 and ||9 will, when said tabs are folded down into closed position, lie in substantial juxtaposition. A strip of adhesive material |22 joins the adjacent edges of the Wall panels I2 and ||4.

Fold lines |23, |213, and |25 dene tab sections |21, |28, and |29 integral with the Wall I I4 and adapted to assume positions corresponding to the positions of the tab sections 81, 38, and 89 of Fig. 7. Similarly, fold lines |3I, |32, and |33 deiine panel sections |35, |36, and |31 integral with the Wall opposite the wall ||4 and adapted to assume positions corresponding to the positions of tab sections 35, 3S, and 31 of Fig. 3. Beyond the tab section |31, a single or double fold line |34 defines an elongated tab section |39 corresponding to the tab 98 of Fig. 7. The tab sections |31 and |39 embrace the adjacent lateral edges of the tabs Ill and II9, and the tab section |38 completely covers said tabs ||1" and II9 and overlies the tab section |29 of the Wall |54. Staples |39 secure the outermost edges of the tab |38 to the remote lateral edges of the tabs II! and II9, and to the tab section |29 of the Wall H4. If desired, further staples (not shown) may secure the tab sections |31 and |33 together.

The form of my invention illustrated in Fig. l0 is identical with the' form illustrated in Fig. 4, except that a reinforcing sheet is incorporated in the carton end of Fig. 1D. In Fig. l0, I have shown the end of a carton |4I, comprising'walls |42, |43, |44, and a Wall (not numbered) opposite the wall |44, the adjacent edges of the Walls |42 and |44 being connected by an adhesive strip |52 in a well vknown manner. Fold lines |45 and |48 define terminal tabs |41 and |49 integral with the walls |42 and |43, respectively. When in folded position, the ends I 59 and |5| of the tabs |41 and |49 lie in substantial juxtaposition.

Fold lines |53, |54, and |55 define tab sections |51, Isa, and |59 integral 'with the Am11 maand adapted to assume positions corresponding tothe positions'of tab sections 51, 59, and 590i Fig.

4. similarly, fold unes |61, lez, and |63 define tab sections |65, |69, and |61 integral with the wall opposite the wall |44 and adapted to assume positions equivalent to the positions assumed by the tab Sections E5, E5, and 61 of Fig. 4. Now, a reinforcing plate |1I, which may be of the same material of which the carton is made, or of different material, is laid upon the tab sections |59 and |61, the contour of the sheet |1| substantially corresponding to the cross sectional contour of the carton in the region of the fold lines |46 and |118. Now, the tabs |41 and |49 are folded into the closed position of Fig. and are secured, by staples |69, to one edge of the plate |1| and to the tab section |59; and, by the staples |1il, to the other edge of the sheet |1| and to the tab section |61.

While I consider the above forms of rnyinvention to be most satisfactory, I have illustrated in Fig. 8 asomewhat simpler modification of the invention. According to that illustration, one or both of two opposite walls of the car-ton will be formed, adjacent one end, with a fold line |13 and a second fold line |14, defining a terminal tab comprising a proximal section |15 and a `distal section Ht. The connecting opposite walls of the carton will, of course, be formed to provide terminal tabs |11 and |18. In this form of the invention, the tab section V55 is folded inwardly at an angle of less than 90 degrees nd extends into substantial contact with the under surfaces of the tabs |11 and |18 along a line spaced inwardly from the plane of the wall from which said tab sections are formed; while the tab section |16 is folded about the fold line |14 throughv an angle considerably greater than 90 degrees so that said tab section |16 lies in contact with the inner surfaces of the tabs |11 and |18. Suitable means, such as the staples illustrated n other figures of the drawings, may be provided for securing the tabs |11 and |18 to the tab section VIE.

It will be clear that, as to any one of the forms of hand grips illustrated herein, cartons maybe produced with one or more hand grip indentations of the character herein illustrated at one or both' ends of the cartons; and it will further be clear that any one of the forms of indentation-providing means herein illustrated may be used in connection with any one or more of the other closure features herein disclosed; and, further, that, in any given carton, any form of hand grip indentation forming means may be combined with any other form of such means herein illustrated.

I claim as my invention:

1. A carton having four angularly related walls each terminating in a tab defined by a transverse fold line, the fold lines in two opposite walls dening oppositely-facing tabs lying substantially in a common plane, the fold line in a third wall lying in a plane parallel with' said common plane and disposed farther from the termini of said tabs, the tab defined by said last-named fold line being further formed with two additional fold lines substantially parallel with its defining fold line and positioned successively closer to the terminus' of said tab, said oppositely-facing tabs being folded inwardly toward each other substantially into said common plane, and said third tab being folded inwardly upo-n its first-nientioned fold line to provide a section having an extent substantially parallel with said common plane less than one-half the kwidth of each of said two opposite walls, then folded upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a section substan-- parallel with said common plane, and 'means se-V curing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to said two oppositely folded tabs.

2. A carton having four an guiarly related walls each terminating in a tab defined by a transverse fold line, the fold line in two opposite walls defining oppositely-facing tabs lying substantially in a common plane, the fold line in a third wall lying in a plane parallel with said common plane and disposed farther from the termini of said tabs, the tab defined by said last-named fold line being further formed with two additional fold lines substantially parallel with its defining fold line and positioned successively closer to the terminus of said tab, said oppositely-facing tabs being folded inwardly toward each other substantially into said common plane, and said third tab being folded inwardly upon its first-mentioned fold line to provide a section substantially parallel with said common plane, then folded `upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common plane and spaced from the fourth of said walls, and then folded outwardly upon itsv next adjacent fold line to provide a further section substantially parallel with said common plane, and means securing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to said two oppositely folded tabs, the tab of said fourth wall also having a portion lying substantially in said common plane and means securing said last-named tab portion to said two oppositely folded tabs.

3. A carton having four angularly-related walls each terminating in .a tab defined by a transverse fold line, two of said fold lines defining oppositely-facing tabs lying substantially in a common plane, and the other two of said fold lines lying substantially in a second common .plane substantially parallel with said rst plane and disposed farther from the termini of said tabs, each of the tabs defined by said last-mentioned fold lines being further formed with two additional fold lines substantially parallel with its defining fold line and positioned successively closer to the termini of said tabs, said first-mentioned tabs being folded oppositely inwardly substantially into said `common plane, each of said other two tabs being folded inwardly upon its first-mentioned fold line to provide a section lying substantially in said second common plane, then folded upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common planes, and then folded outwardly upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a further section substantially parallel with said first-mentioned plane, and

i means securing said last-mentioned sections to said first-mentioned tabs.

4. A carton having four anguJarly-related walls each terminating in a tab defined by a transverse fold line, two of said fold lines defining oppositely- `facing tabs lying substantially in a common plane,

andthe other two of said fold lines lying substantiallyin a second common plane substantially parallel with said rst plane and disposed farther from the termini of said tabs, each of the tabs defined by said last-mentioned fold lines being further formed with two additional fold lines substantially parallel with its defining fold line and positioned successively closer to the termini of said tabs, said first-mentioned tabs being folded oppositely inwardly substantially into said com- 7 mon plane, each of said otherr two tabs being folded inwardly upon its first-mentioned fold line to provide a section lying substantially in said second common plane. then folded upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common planes, andv then folded outwardly upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a further section substantially .parallel with said first-mentioned plane, and means securing said last-mentioned sections to said first-mentioned tabs, one of said last-mentioned tabs being further formed to provide a terminal portion folded to overlie said first-mentioned tabs, and means securing said terminal portion to said first-mentioned tabs and to the last-mentioned section of the other ta-b.

5. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and including a section lying in substantial parallelism with said first and second tabs, said section having an eX- tent substantially less than that of said first and second tabs in the direction of length of the substantially abutting ends of said tabs, and means securing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to said first and second tabs.

6. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and including a section lying in substantial Iparallelism with said first and second tabs, a fourth terminal tab integral with the fourth wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly folded portion of said fourth tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and including a section lying in substantial parallelism with said first and second tabs, and means securing said last-mentioned sections of said third and fourth tabs to said first and second tabs.

7. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said firstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a section lying in parallel Contact with the outer surfaces of said first and second tabs, and means securing said last-named section of said third tab to said first and second tabs.

8. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral With one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said firstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a section lying in parallel contact with the outer surfaces of said first and second tabs, a fourth terminal tab integral with .the fourth wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly folded portion of said fourth tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and .terminating in a section lying in parallel contact with the outer surfaces of said first and second tabs, and means securing said last-named sections of said third .and fourth tabs to said rst and second tabs.

9. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said firstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton, and being furthur formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a section lying in parallel contact with said first and second tabs, and means securing said last-named section of said third tab to said first and second tabs.

' 10. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third Wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said firstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion o-f said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and .being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and termina-ting in a section lying in parallel contact with said first and second tabs, a fourth terminal tab integral with the fourth wall of said carton and folded inwardly on aline spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly folded 9 l. portion of said fourth tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a -section lying in parallel contact with sai-d first and second tabs, and means securing said last-named sections of said third and fourth tabs to said first and second tabs. i

11. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a first terminal tabintegral with one wall of said carton,` a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said first wall, said tabs being onpositely folded inwardly and being proportioned to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third `wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a lineV spaced from said firstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of saidl carton and being further formed and foldedto embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a section lying in parallel contact with said first and second tabs, a fourth terminal tab integral with the fourth wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said first-mentioned tabs, said inwardly folded portion of said fourth tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and being further formed and folded to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and terminating in a section lying in parallel contact with said first and second tabs, and common means securing said last-named section of said fourth tab 4to said first and second tabs and to said lastnamed section of said third tab.

12. A carton end comprising a first terminal tab integral with a first carton wall, a second .terminal tab integral with a second carton wall opposite said first wall, said tabs being foldable oppositely upon lines lying substantially in a common plane to bring their terminal ends substantially into juxtaposition to close said carton end, a third terminal ta-b defined by a first fold line lying in a second plane substantially parallel with said common plane and nearer the opposite end of said carton than said common plane, said third tab being provided with a second fold line parallel with said first fold line and nearer than said first fold line to the terminus of said tab, a third fold line parallel with said first fold line and nearer than said second fold line to the terminus of said tab, and a fourth fold line parallel with said first fold line and nearer than said third fold line to the terminus of said tab, said third tab being foldable inwardly about said first fold line to provide a section substantially parallel with said common plane but nearer the opposite end of said carton, and foldable about said second fold line to provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common .plane but spaced inwardly from said third carton wall, and foldable outwardly about said third fold line to provide a section lying in contact with the inner surfaces of said first and second tabs, and foldable about said fourth fold line to embrace the lateral edges of said first and second tabs and to provide a terminal section lying in contact with the outer surfaces of said first and secorldtabs7 and means securing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to said rst and second tabs.

13. A carton end comprising a iirst terminal tabintegral with a first carton wall, a second terminal tabintegral with a second carton wall opposite said first wall, sai-d tabs being foldable oppositely upon lines lying substantially in a V common plane to bring their terminal ends substantially into juxtaposition to close said carton end, a third terminal tab defined by a first fold line lying in a second plane substantially parallel with said common plane and nearer the opposite end of said carton than said common plane, a fourth terminal tab defined by a fold line lying substantially in said second plane, each of said third and fourth tabs beingprovded with a second fold line parallel with said rst fold line and nearer than said rst fold line to the terminus of said tab, a third fold line parallel with said first fold line and nearer than said second fold lineto the terminus of said tab, and a fourth fold line parallel with said first fold line and nearer than said third fold line to the terminus of sai'dtab, each of said third and fourth tabs being foldable inwardly about said first fold line to provide a section substantially parallel with said common plane but nearer the opposite end of said carton, and foldalole about said second fold line vto provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common plane but spaced inwardly from said third carton wall, and foldable outwardly about said third fold line to provide a section lying in contact with the inner surfaces of said first and second tabs, and foldable about said fourth fold line .to embrace the adjacent lateral edges of said first and second tabs and to provide a terminal section lying in consecond tabs, and means securing said last-mentioned section of eachof said third and fourth tabs to said first and second tabs.

14. A carton having four angularly related -f walls each terminating in a tab defined by a transverse fold line, two of said fold lines defining oppositely-facing tabs lying substantially in a common plane, a thirdof said fold lines lying in a plane parallel with said common plane and disposed farther from the termini of said tabs, the tab defined by said last-named fold line being further formed with two additional fold lines substantially parallel with its defining fold line and positioned successively closer to the terminus of said tab, said oppositely-facing tabs being folded inwardly toward each other substantially into said common plane, and said third tab being folded inwardly upon its rst-mentioned fold line to provide a section substantially parallel with said common plane, then folded upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a section substantially perpendicular to said common plane, and then folded outwardly upon its next adjacent fold line to provide a further section substantially parallel with said common plane, means securing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to said two oppositely folded tabs, and a sheet of strengthening material secured to said last-mentioned section of said third tab and to said two oppositely folded tabs, the contour of said sheet approximating the cross-sectional contour of said carton in said common plane. l

'15. The structure recited in claim 3, in which a sheet of strengthening material is secured to `the first-mentioned tabs thereof and to the lastmentioned sections of the other tabs thereof, the contour of said sheet approximating the cross sectional contour of said carton in said first-mem tioned common plane, and in which the securing means likewise secures said sheet in place.

tact with the outer surfaces of said first and 16. Hand-grip and closure means for a rectangular carton comprising a iirst terminal tab integral with one wall of said carton, a second terminal tab integral with a second wall of said carton opposite said rst wall,'said tabs being oppositely folded inwardly and being proportioned .to bring their terminal edges substantially into abutment when so folded, a third terminal tab integral with a third wall of said carton and folded inwardly on a line spaced from said iirstmentioned tabs, said inwardly-folded portion of said third tab providing an outwardly-opening indentation closed to the interior of said carton and including` a section lying in substantial parallelism with said rst and second tabs, means securing said last-mentioned section of said third tab to vsaid rst and second tabs, and a sheet of strengthening material secured to the rst and second tabs and to the last-mentioned section of the third tab, the contour of said sheet approximating the cross-sectional contour of said carton in the region of the bases of said rst and second tabs.

17. The structure recited in claim 6, in which a 12 sheet of strengthening material is secured to the first and second tabs and the last-mentioned sections of the third and fourth tabs, the contour of said sheet approximating the cross-sectional contour of said carton in the region of the bases of said first and second tabs.

18. A carton formed to provide flat end walls and elongated side walls, said carton being further formed, in one side wall, with an outwardly opening indentation located closely adjacent one end wall, said indentation being closed to the interior of said carton and being dened by a tab integral with said side wall and including a portion bent inwardly from the plane of said side wall, a portion substantially parallel with said side wall closer to said side wall than to the opposite side wall of said carton, and approaching intersection with said end wall, and a portion bent outwardly to approach intersection with the plane of said side wall, said last-mentioned portion lying in contact with said end wall, and means securing said last-mentioned portion to said end wall.

ROBERT VANCE THOMPSON. 

